Summertime Blues – Alan Jackson

Introduction:

Alan Jackson’s rendition of “Summertime Blues” was released in 1994 as part of his Who I Am album. The song is a cover of the 1958 rock classic by Eddie Cochran, written by Cochran and Jerry Capehart. While the original was a rebellious anthem of teenage frustration, Jackson’s version brings a country twist to the rock ‘n’ roll hit, maintaining its theme of dealing with summertime problems, particularly the frustration of having to work when you’d rather be enjoying the summer.

Jackson’s cover maintains the spirit of the original while infusing it with his signature country style, emphasizing a more laid-back, traditional country sound with twangy guitars. This version resonated with fans, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It helped introduce a new generation to the song while appealing to country fans who enjoyed Jackson’s blend of classic and contemporary influences.

The song’s narrative still focuses on the character’s inability to enjoy summer because of work obligations, but Jackson adds a more mature, nostalgic tone to the track, making it relevant to older listeners as well. The success of Jackson’s cover is a testament to his ability to blend classic rock with country music traditions, creating a sound that bridges different musical eras.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Summertime Blues”

Well I’m a-gonna raise a fuss, I’m a-gonna raise a holler
About a-workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollar
Everytime I call my baby, to try to get a date
My boss says, “No dice, son, you gotta work late”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime bluesWell my mom ‘n’ papa told me, “Son, you gotta make some money”
“If you wanna use the car to go ridin’ next Sunday”
Well, I didn’t go to work, told the boss I was sick
“Now you can’t use the car ’cause you didn’t work a lick”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues

[key change]
I’m gonna take two weeks, gonna have a vacation
I’m gonna take my problem to the United Nations
Well, I called my congressman and he said quote,
“I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues

Well I’m a-gonna raise a fuss, I’m a-gonna raise a holler
About workin’ all summer just to try an’ earn a dollar
Sometimes I wonder what I’m a-gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues

Yeah, sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
No there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues